Shooting at Juneteenth party as several people shot dead in California

Several people were shot at a Juneteenth celebration in Oakland, California, on Wednesday evening.

In a news release issued Thursday, the Oakland Police Department said gunfire broke out after an “unlawful spectacle involving vehicles and motorcycles” began near Grand Avenue and Bellevue Avenue around 8:15 p.m. .

“Shortly thereafter, a fight broke out and as the crowd moved toward the altercation, several shots were fired,” the department said. “Officers located several victims who were struck by the gunfire.”

No deaths were reported and the department said it was still investigating the exact number of people injured.

Several victims were transported by medical personnel to an area hospital, while other victims were transported to hospitals by private transport, the department said.

No arrests have been made and it is unclear if there was more than one shooter in the incident.

The department said about 5,000 people had gathered for the Juneteenth celebration in and around Lake Merritt when the shooting occurred.

June 16 marks the day the last slaves in the United States learned they were free. Black Americans have celebrated this day for generations, with parades, festivals and meals. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department's Criminal Assault Unit at (510) 238-3426. Anyone with videos or photos that could help with the investigation is asked to send them to [email protected].

This is breaking news. More soon.